Overview
Garlic is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for immunity & disease prevention. Garlic (Rasona/Lahsun) is one of the most important medicinal foods in Ayurveda. Contains Allicin, a powerful antibacterial and antifungal compound. Used extensively in cardiac disorders — modern research confirms cholesterol-lowering and blood-pressure-reducing effects. Called Rasona because it has 5 of the 6 Rasas (all except Amla/sour).
How Garlic Helps with Immunity & Disease Prevention
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Garlic has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing immunity & disease prevention:
- Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): All five tastes except Amla (sour) — Katu predominant
- Qualities (Guna): Snigdha (unctuous), Tikshna (sharp), Guru (heavy), Sara
Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- All five tastes except Amla (sour) — Katu predominant
- Taste Note
- Called Rasona because it lacks one Rasa (Amla/sour). Has Madhura, Katu, Tikta, Kashaya, Lavana.
- Quality (Guna)
- Unctuous (Snigdha), Sharp (Tikshna), Heavy (Guru), Sara
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Allyl disulphide (C₆H₁₀S₂, volatile oil 0.1-0.3%), Allyl-propyl disulphide, Polysulphides, Allicin (C₆H₁₀S₂O — antibacterial principle), Alliistatin I & II. Also acts as antibiotic.
- Also Known As
- English: Garlic
Sanskrit: रसोन, लशुन, उग्रगन्ध, म्लेच्छकन्द
Hindi: लहसुन, लसुन
What the Classical Texts Say
- Hridroga (heart diseases)
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Atonic dyspepsia
- Kushtha (skin diseases)
- Krimi (worms)
- Jwara (fever)
- Vata Vyadhi (neurological/musculoskeletal disorders)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1
Other Herbs for Immunity & Disease Prevention
See all herbs for immunity & disease prevention on the Immunity & Disease Prevention page.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.